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Queens’ 14 community boards are in purple on a map of New York City community districts. Image via Fitnr.

By Victoria Merlino

Queens residents can now apply to serve on one of the borough’s 14 community boards, which enable residents to advise on land use and zoning matters in their districts.

The 50-member boards also hold hearings and offer recommendations to the city government about issues facing their communities.

“Our borough is stronger when residents from across Queens who care deeply about their neighborhood make their voices heard by joining their local community board,” said Borough President Melinda Katz in a statement. “Serving on a community board can be demanding in both time and energy, but our government is more effective and accountable when it can draw upon the knowledge and expertise of active, engaged community members.”

The deadline for current and prospective members to apply is Feb. 8, with new appointments starting their two-year terms on April 1. Membership applications are available at queensbp.org/community-boards. .

In November, New York City voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to institute community board term limits, despite concerns from members who say term limits would erode boards’ institutional knowledge.